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MP battles for diabetics’ aid

Oxford West and Abingdon MP Nicola Blackwood has asked whether the Department of Health will review its guidance on the provision of insulin pumps on the NHS.

Her question follows recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) on the use of pump therapy to treat Type 1 diabetes.

NICE has recommended use of insulin pumps as possible diabetes treatment for adults and children aged 12 upwards.

Ms Blackwood wanted to discuss the issue of variation between trusts in the prescription of insulin pumps.

She submitted a written question on Tuesday on the subject in the House of Commons which health minister Jane Ellison replied to.

Ms Ellison said: “It is the responsibility of NHS England to ensure commissioners and providers make insulin pumps available for those people with diabetes who meet the criteria recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.

“Earlier this month, NHS England published Action for Diabetes, which sets out the steps it is taking to improve outcomes for people with and at risk of diabetes.”